KATSEYE “Invalidate” Manon’s Racism Claims In Bombshell Interview

KATSEYE are finally opening up about Manon‘s absence from the group, but their comments in a new Vanity Fair interview are stirring up more controversy than clarity.

When asked about staying in contact with Manon, the members were vague, saying simply “here and there.”

Vanity Fair also confirmed that Manon is not featured on the group’s forthcoming mini album and has yet to commit to their upcoming world tour. The outlet noted that even the members themselves may not know the full story and that they do not consider it their story to tell.

The safest space that we had was within the six of us. People just have no idea what goes on. They just don’t. It’s nothing but love between us.

— Lara

But it’s Sophia’s comments on race that have fans most divided. After Manon engaged with social media posts about her experience as the only Black woman in the group, speculation about race playing a role in her departure ran rampant.

We can definitely say that in our situation, in no way was it about race. That goes against everything that we stand for.

— Sophia

The answer has sparked accusations that the group is trying to dismiss and invalidate something Manon herself has alluded to.

“In no way it was about race” sure. pic.twitter.com/hA3AR1Ug3h

— M 🧚🏽 (@manonloops) June 30, 2026

it’s even more sickening considering that even if they have nothing to do with it, they’re still invalidating manon’s experience with racism and anti blackness in her workplace??? sophia u are sounding like your fans

— blue ⁷ (@jkmanonz) June 30, 2026

Others pointed out that being a woman of color doesn’t make someone immune to perpetuating anti-Blackness.

how can they say definitely that in no way was it about race if Manon herself alluded to it? that seems pretty invalidating to her experience. being black and experiencing racism is very different from being south asian, east asian or latam and experiencing racism.

— lola ♏︎ (@rebreccaex) June 30, 2026

“We can definitely say that in our situation, in no way was it about race.”

Sophia stays trying to contradict everything Manon has said. First it was that it was about her well-being, now it’s this. She’s honestly just being nasty at this point.

— JORDZ IS MAD AT PINK (@junezlvr) June 30, 2026

Non black woman invalidating a black woman who interacted with a post about being the only black girl in the group and mistreatment.😍
Invalidating the racism we all saw seeping out of their manager with her micro aggressions.😍😍🥹🥹wow

— starring (@L3thab00) June 30, 2026

Regardless of Sophia’s intentions, her words have reignited the heated debate surrounding KATSEYE ever since Manon’s hiatus was announced.